Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pearson launched PTE Academic UKVI in a virtual launch event in Pakistan. Pearson, the world’s leading learning company was awarded
commercial agreements from the UK Home Office to provide Secure
English Language Tests (SELTs) to people who need to demonstrate their
English language skills to study, work or live in the UK.
The commercial agreements will be delivered through the PTE Academic
UKVI and PTE Home – a new speaking and listening test for family visa,
settlement and citizenship applicants. Both these English language
tests have been internally developed by Pearson.
PEARSON, is the UK’s largest awarding body regulated by Ofqual and the
history of Pearson goes back to 1836, that makes it around 184 years
old institute. It marked its foot prints in Pakistan around two
decades ago. Currently its Head Office is in Lahore with five fully
functioning departments. It offers Edexcel Academic qualifications,
BTECs qualifications, K12 School Resources, Higher Educations
resources (both digital and printed), and Pearson Test of English
Academic (PTE Academic).
PTE Academic and PTE UKVI offer online test booking 24 hrs ahead of a
test and the results being published within 5 days. Fully Computer
based assessments mean that PTE scoring and assessment is objective
and consistent. PTE Academic and UKVI are also recognized by a large
number of universities in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Malaysia
and Germany.
Due to COVID 19 this launch was organized virtually on 19 Aug 2020.
Launch was graced by Her Excellency, Alison Blackburn – The British
Deputy High Commissioner for Pakistan (Acting British High
Commissioner) along with Ms Olivia Campbell – Deputy Director,
Department for International Trade, British High Commission, Mr. Joe
Lam – Managing Director South Asia,
Ms. Freya Thomas – SVP English Assessment, Ms. Premila Paulraj-
Director Business Development South Asia, Ms. Muna Mazhar, Head of
Market Development and Mr. Waqar Shah-Country Head, Pearson Pakistan.
During the launch British High Commission emphasized the importance of
Pakistan for Great Britain as a destination for Pakistani students and
workers.
Acting High Commissioner Alison Blackburne said: “Great Britain offers
a truly world-class education – with four of the world’s top ten
universities – and this test from Pearson is a great option for those
applying for UK student and work visas. We understand education has
the power to transform lives, and that is why we are working at every
level here in Pakistan to increase access to education. By supporting
the UK-Pakistan historic relationship in this way, we are working as
partners in building a prosperous and a sustainable future.”
Currently test centres for PTE Academic UKVI are available in
Islamabad and Lahore. There are plans to open test centres in other
key cities including Karachi.
The fully digital test is delivered through Pearson VUE. The latest AI
technology is used for scoring; biometric data collection provides
enhanced security measures and voice recognition software is applied
for the speaking element of the test. These cutting-edge technologies
ensure the provision of an impartial and highly accurate test of
people’s English language proficiency.
Rod Bristow, President of Pearson UK, said: “We are proud that the UK
Government joins the Australian and New Zealand Governments in
recognising this test for visa applications, alongside thousands of
leading universities across the globe who already accept it for study
purposes – including more than 98% UK universities.
Students and immigrants are glad that now PTE Academic UKVI is
available in Pakistan approved by the UK Govt for all kinds of visas.
